Episodes

In this episode, Paul Wright from Wright Farms shares his journey into growing aronia berries, the challenges faced, and the exciting development of aronia-infused ice cream in collaboration with the University of Minnesota. Discover how niche markets and innovative marketing are opening new opportunities for this high-antioxidant superfruit.

Agriculture leaders cannot afford to think only about this quarter. Steve Olson, co-founder of the Next Five Years Executive Conference, explains why the smartest organizations are already planning for the next five years - and why that shift could determine who stays relevant and who falls behind.

Unlock the future of plant-based proteins with PURIS VP of R&D, Kushal Shandak. In this episode, discover how a 40-year journey from soy to peas is reshaping the alternative protein industry—and learn the secret to overcoming technical challenges like solubility, allergen safety, and acidic stability. Shandak shares how Purist’s innovative, vertically integrated model is making pea protein more accessible, sustainable, and tastier than ever, paving the way for the next wave of consumer-loved pla...

In this episode, discover how a Minnesota-based collaboration between industry leaders ignited a new pathway for food entrepreneurs to scale nationally. Lauren Pradhan, CEO of Tesor Advisory, and Jason Robinson, Food Business Development at AURI, walk us through the strategic magic of blending community, storytelling, and retail expertise to unlock new markets. From behind-the-scenes event design to the power of authentic connection, this is about turning dreams into shelf-ready reality.

Most leaders are waiting for the perfect moment—what if the secret is actually creating it? Discover how Minnesota’s Agricultural and Rural Leadership program (MARL) transforms mid-career professionals into impactful rural champions, with alumni making waves from state legislatures to global markets. In this episode, Jamie Dickerman sits down with Alexandra Ostlund of AURI and Brad Schloesser of MARL to unpack the 25-year-old program that’s shaping the future of agriculture leadership. We break ...

In this episode, Jamie Dickerman interviews Gail Dennison from the Hormel Institute to explore how research at the intersection of food, agriculture, and health can shape the future of nutrition and disease prevention. They discuss the Institute's history, ongoing projects, and the importance of making healthy eating accessible and convenient.

In this episode, Alex Frescoln, an attorney with a background in ag and food markets, discusses the evolving landscape of value-added agriculture, startup challenges, and the future of bioenergy and manufacturing in the Midwest.

Unlock the future of sustainable food with a deep dive into Minnesota’s pioneering plant protein innovation. Discover how the University of Minnesota’s Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC) is transforming local crops like dry beans and kidney beans into game-changing protein sources — crucial for feeding a global population projected to reach 10 billion. This episode reveals the secret sauce behind PPIC’s global leadership in plant-based research, industry collaboration, and workforce developm...

The future of agriculture in the Midwest hinges on more than just farming — it’s about resilience, innovation, and smart policy. Holly Callaghan from GreenSeam reveals how a groundbreaking industry report uncovers critical trends affecting rural prosperity, from shifting business sentiments to the vital role of sustainability and policy adjustments.

Discover how Plasma Blue, a Minnesota-based energy technology company founded on university research, is pioneering plasma-based solutions to produce biofuels, break down harmful chemicals, and address environmental challenges. Host Jamie Dickerman chats with CEO Tom Slunecka about the science behind plasma technology and its future applications across industries.

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, host Jamie Dickerman speaks with Devin Hoffarth from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association about the current priorities and developments in the corn industry. They discuss the importance of market development, new uses for corn, and the collaboration with AURI to support innovation. The conversation highlights the versatility of corn as a feedstock and the exciting future opportunities in bio-based chemicals and ethanol markets.

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman speaks with Mary Odekerk, a senior business development officer at the 504 Corporation. They discuss the role of the 504 Corporation in providing SBA 504 loans, the impact of these loans on businesses in Minnesota, and the application process for potential borrowers. Mary shares insights into the eligibility criteria for the program, its relevance to agriculture, and recent changes that may benefit manufacturing businesses. ...

Unlock the transformative power of the Future Farmers of America — the organization shaping tomorrow’s leaders (not just farmers!) in agriculture today. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community supporter, discover how just one opportunity can ignite confidence, leadership, and innovation in youth. If you’ve ever wondered how agricultural education develops problem solvers and future-ready workers, this episode reveals exactly how FFA’s unique classroom and hands-on experiences plant seeds...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, host Jamie Dickerman speaks with Shannon Schlecht, the executive director of AURI, about the organization's impactful year in agriculture. They discuss AURI's structure, strategic initiatives, and the successes achieved in various projects, including biogas, industrial hemp, and protein sustainability. Shannon highlights the importance of collaboration and the new resources AURI is introducing to support food businesses, especially in navigating...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman delves into the groundbreaking world of SoyFoam, a soy-based firefighting foam that's making waves in the industry. Joined by experts Dave Garley from Crossplane Solutions and Mike Youngerberg from Minnesota Soybean, the discussion explores the innovative use of soybeans to create an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional firefighting foams. Discover how this sustainable solution is not only effective in combati...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, host Jamie Dickerman interviews Tom Smude, the owner of Smude Sunflower Oil. Tom shares his journey from a farming background to establishing a successful sunflower oil business. He discusses the challenges he faced, including market fluctuations and the need for consumer education about sunflower oil. Tom emphasizes the health benefits of cold-pressed oils and the importance of sustainability in his production process. He also shares insights i...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, we discuss the launch of the Protein Navigator. This new service is designed to help protein companies exploring our region find their footing and thrive. The Protein Navigator is a collaborative initiative powered by AURI and MBOLD. Join us as we explore how this service is set to revolutionize protein sustainability by connecting global stakeholders with Minnesota's rich agricultural ecosystem. Discover the strategic insights and innovative ap...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman dives into the transformative potential of the Natural Gas Innovation Act with guest Betsy Lang from CenterPoint Energy. Discover how this bipartisan Minnesota law is paving the way for clean energy solutions like renewable natural gas and hydrogen. Betsy shares insights into CenterPoint's pioneering innovation plan, which includes 17 pilot projects aimed at decarbonizing the gas system and supporting local economies. Tune i...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman interviews Mary Hartman, CEO and founder of Stable Feed, an innovative horse feed and supplement company. Mary shares her journey from addressing her own horse's health issues to creating a successful business that focuses on using food as medicine. The conversation delves into the importance of the microbiome in equine health, the benefits of Sainfoin as a sustainable feed option, and the challenges and triumphs of building...

Join host Jamie Dickerman as he delves into the world of bioindustrial manufacturing with Doug Friedman, CEO of BioMADE. Discover how BioMADE is revolutionizing the agricultural sector by bridging the gap between traditional farming and cutting-edge biotechnology. Learn about the innovative use of agricultural feedstocks, the importance of U.S. supply chain security, and the exciting opportunities for farmers and industry participants. Tune in to explore how BioMADE is paving the way for a susta...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman sits down with Darin Broton, Executive Director of the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council. They explore the rich history and future vision of Minnesota's agricultural sector, discussing key innovations and the importance of value-added agriculture. Darin shares insights on the upcoming Agri-Growth Summit and the collaborative efforts to shape Minnesota's ag and food economy by 2040. Tune in to discover how Minnesota is leading th...

Join us on the Ag Innovation News podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Ruth Linkenmeyer Meirick, Executive Director of the Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture. Discover how Ruth's personal experiences on a family farm shaped her passion for agriculture and community engagement. In this episode, we explore the Foundation's transformative initiatives, from promoting mental health awareness in rural communities to fostering leadership among young farmers. Learn about the groundbreakin...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman speaks with Allison Hohn, the executive director of Naturally Minnesota. They discuss Allison's extensive background in food science and product development, the mission of Naturally Minnesota to support food and agriculture entrepreneurs, and the upcoming Food Ag Ideas conference focused on the theme of 'Food is Health.' The conversation highlights various initiatives, events, and the collaborative spirit within Minnesota's...

The latest Ag Innovation News Podcast, presented by the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, explores how soybeans are being turned into liquid fertilizer.